Sustainable small enterprise development in a Cuban transition economy

This article examines the status of small business development in Cuba through 1999, and evaluates the potential future of small enterprises in a Cuban transition to democracy and capitalism. In any transition to democracy and capitalism, small enterprise development is highly desirable, if not essential, for creating a growing and sustainable economy. We attempt to elucidate the complex issues that will shape the development of small enterprises in Cuba's eventual transition to a market economy, as well as outline the relevant experiences of other economies in similar situations and provide suggestions for future internal and external policymakers working to further small business interests in Cuba. Special emphasis is placed on the obstacles grounded in human behaviors that are incompatible with a globally competitive market economy. J. Antonio Villamill, former U.S. undersecretary of commerce and director of Florida's Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development, is president of Washington Economics Group, Inc.